I couldn't help but burst into tears during this incredible train adventure, especially being able to share with your dad, because I lost mine recently, but I still have my mom and I plan to do the same with her. thanks for this and future adventures
For a 76 yr old broad who has traveled many place, this video has stirred my travel bug. i'm to old to drive far anymore but this looked like such fun. Seeing you with friends and your parents doing these trips was awesome. Hanna Evans
As a European who has never been to the US (yet), I've had chills at various moments throughout this video. I could only dream of doing a trip like this, but wow...I think it needs to go on my bucketlist! Thank you for sharing this, Mike. And good on you for taking along your dad, your mom and your friends. What an experience!
❤❤❤ I have never been to Europe and Europe is on my bucket list to see. I think seeing as much of the world that a person can see is a special time no matter where you go.
I have severe ADHD and I must applaud you and your editors for the 2h45m I was able to stop and watch this through without getting distracted or impulsively clicking on a different video or switching between social apps and doomscrolling short videos.
I know it's not right to be envious - but my dad passed when I was 3-1/2 and my son, who I named after my dad - well, we became estranged after he got involved in drugs at the age of 17. He did join the Army - but only made it to 177 days in boot camp in Ft. Benning...they kicked him out, thus 3 days shy of any VA benefits, etc. Now, it's been 12 years later and he's erased all online social media and I have no idea where he is or what he's doing. My wife, his mom, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2001 and I've sworn myself to be her caregiver and protector. Still no word from him and we're only getting older. We're happy and live on a nice hobby farm acreage in NE Iowa and - but - I miss having such a relationship with our son. You are blessed beyond measure! It's so nice seeing your interaction with your dad. I wish I had that with mine - and most certainly wish I had this with my son. Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm thoroughly enjoying watching every minute of your trip!
VA denial sounds very unfair. Trump is very sympathetic to addiction and bet if your dad sent a letter to Mar-a-Lago as others have done his benefits will be reinstated.
We sorta have the same life. But had my dad until 11. Luckily me abd my bro had my grabdpa who stepped in. He worked on the railroad his whole life. Took us on three vacations across the country. Whole family in a van from chicago to bakersfield
Michael, You may have one of the highest emotional intelligence (EQ) in the world. You really are a special person. It's always a joy to see one of your videos.
This is honestly a very underrated channel. Traveling across the country (mostly) ONLY by rail is a challenge that not many people can attempt. This video is amazing, as it shows the experiences that has happened, the scenic views, and the overall fun that has been shown. I love this!
The positivity and energy you bring to these trips is really what sets your channel apart. There are so many travel channels these days which focus on various forms of "poverty tourism" for views/engagement, so it's just really nice that you have continued to focus on showcasing people's joy and wonderment in a world where there is too little of it in our media. As always, well done!
I can't believe all of those tourists aren't crying seeing the Grand Canyon, too. What an amazing experience. My favorite train so far on our adventures with you. And that wooden station! I have a dream!! One day❤
I rode a jet ski from Seattle to Juneau in 2018 (videos on my channel). Now that I’m older and have bad knees your trip has inspired me to take Amtrak from Washington, DC to Bellingham, WA then the ferry to Whittier and the train to Denali, then fly home.
1:49:30 - The smile and excitement on Will’s face is so genuine looking. He really looks like he’s extremely grateful and that is the BEST result you could hope for when treating your friend to a bucket list item!! 🤠👍🏼☮️
Filing this under “content I can bond with my papa over”. 25 years ago when I was a kid I was obsessed with trains, tractors and trucks. We went to a few museums and he even took me to Cherokee NC to ride the steam engine and it was such a thrill. He’s 87 now and I helped him get his lawn mower started while I was home for Christmas. It made me laugh, doesn’t matter how old you are, when hear an engine you’ve been working on turnover, you can’t help but smile and laugh.
What a superb youtuber Mike is. I've only just found your channel and love it. I find it extremely relaxing and comforting. My Dad only has a few days left of life, and I needed a channel like this. Thanks, Mike and Will, for his infectious smile, which makes me smile at this hard time. 💙
The Grand Canyon so overwhelmed me the first time I went there, I got out of the motorhome and walked to the vista and my legs literally gave out, dropping me to my knees in reverence for Gods creation. I had to bow to the magnificent of nature .
I've been on the Durango & Silverton train in Colorado and the Mt Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire. The cog train went all the way up to the summit for me. It was 75 degrees at the bottom and 50 degrees at the top of Mt Washington!
That trip on Brightline looked just like the NS trains I rode in the Netherlands this year. Spacious, clean, thoughtful, big bathrooms, a couple dozen trains each day. If that's the future of rail in the US, I'm here for it.
I love this so much. Slowly realising i have the train autism after all. I feel so safe watching this. So at peace. I love trains so much and i love beautifully filmed and narrated Canadian made content. i knew right away he was from Canada, just everything about Mike is such a Canadian treasure. His mom looks like she could be my aunt. His dad, my best friends dad. Lol all the best bud keep up the channel i love it
Normal IL has the twin sister Bloomington, so we always call the town Bloomington Normal. But they are two separate towns. I have taken the train out of Normal lots of times to Chicago and to St. Louis. The entire video is great and having your mom and dad and friends makes the time even better. Will is always a joy to see. He has the biggest smile.
Wow, what a great series. As I've watched this, I've edited my commends 4 times. I've enjoyed every part of this and want to thank you for sharing. I've done a lot of traveling myself, including an extended stay at the North Pole and love traveling by train. I've slowed recently but want to thank you for reigniting the spark. This really has been one of my favorite UA-cam videos of all time. Nice work, your enthusiasm is contagious.
When you and Will reached the South Rim and I saw the vista i began to cry. Then Will began to cry! Even on film it's incredibly powerful, almost overwhelming. Thank you for doing this.
MIKE I LOVE THE WAY THAT YOU SHOW OFF ALL THE SIGHTS WITH YOUR TRAVEL ON TRAINS SHIPS PLANES AND ALL OF YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD THANK YOU MIKE ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR MUM AND DAD 3 HOURS WELL SPENT
Train videos have become a comfort thing for me. Thank you for the great content, I watched the whole thing! Your channel is among one of the very few travel vlog channels that are done well. Your content is always interesting and engaging, thank you!!
Hey Mike, side to side is called rolling, front to back is called pitching. The weather and waves you showed wasn’t nothing compared to what I’ve seen in my 20 years in the US Navy. I’ve had to do extra watches (work) because the other crew members were too seasick to stand watch.fortunately or unfortunately I never got seasick!
I think on the Alaska Marine Highway trip, you really missed an angle of the journey. You only just touched on it when you visited Yakutat. I grew up in Southeast Alaska, on an Island west of Ketchikan. The ferry was the way we got around, going from community to community. All the school trips, heading to summer camp, just going to the (big) city of Ketchikan. I walked down that tunnel @2:08:07! I honestly couldn't tell you how many hours I've spent on the Mat, the Mal, on Aurora and the COlumbia. I got to steer (poorly) the Taku! The hours spent in the solariums, out on deck, sleeping in the lounges, and even camping out on deck. I met a retired teacher who had autographed hardbound first edition copies of Anne McCaffery's Dragon Riders of Pern! I spent a significant chunk of my childhood on those blue boats, and watching this segments makes me misty eyed. Those ferries aren't just a form of transport, they are Alaskan citizens. They are friends, they are family, and looking back through my misty, rose tinted glasses, I miss them so.
Thanks for visiting the Strasburg Railroad….. it’s a tradition to visit if you live in the area….Ride the Polar Express n drink hot chocolate with Santa is popular during Holidays
I think you have done an amazing thing, including your parents on your journey. From someone with both parents passed now, I would give anything to have them back and make more memories. And with the videos, you will always have something to watch years from now when they are gone. Amazing video, and you have put so many smiles and laughs on my face!
Mike, your dad is lovely!! My dad and I had plans to travel by rail but sadly he passed before we could. I’m so happy you had the chance to spend uninterrupted time with your dad and your mom. Thanks for the compilation. I watched the series but am enjoying the uninterrupted series. Thanks, Mike and Happy New Year, may it be full of new adventures. Much love💕
What an awesome video!! I watch a lot of UA-cam cuz i dont have cable tv but this was so cool. I'm 42 never been on a train i live in Montana and you have just made my decision to travel this summer by train and see this amazing state even if i cant travel the US i can still see Montana. Thanks for the rad video!
Brightline has a mix of owned and leased track. The tracks from Miami to Cocoa are FEC owned. From Cocoa to Orlando, it's newly built Brightline owned tracks that will go over 100 mph, as the track has no level road crossings.
Been on the Strasburg train so many times. I love it!! Lancaster is my favorite place in the whole world❤❤❤❤ Sorry u stayed at the caboose motel thou..bad place to stay Stay in bird in hand next time. so much better...amish ppl r the best😊😊😊😊
Why did your journey make me cry…this is probably one of the most impactful videos Ive seen this year and since the year just started, I think you’ve helped kick me into travel mode. Gave me that content creator push that I needed. I’m so glad you guys got to take this amazing trip Beautiful!
Mike, I absolutely love this video. I am going to start riding the train more. I retired young, so I have to wait on my friends to retire, so I will have company like you did, therefore I have to stick my foot in the water alone for now! Fantastic video that helped me a lot. Thanks again Mike.
Just came across this video. I sat and watched the whole thing and felt as if I was right there with you all. The best part was the touch of humanity- you bringing along your favorite humans on this trip. Subscribed! 🚞❤
I just tonight turned off youtube from saving my history and cleared it all out except my subscriptions, i somehow ran across this as well and never got off the couch.
I am not a daily tv viewer BUT I will binge watch youtube series and...short story long, I subscibed a while ago to process my anxiety of public train transport! From early teen years I've learned to process air, bus, and car because it was life required but never a train or floating kind-of-anything. Friends😒planned a train tour from LA to Seattle and after a few days enjoying the city, boarded a train from Seattle to Portland. It was not a bucket list by any stretch-but I penciled it. Age has hindered my processing 'skill' and also anxiety breathing techniques so I was quite anxious but managed to complete the 'hours' ride🫣😬😥. It was rough...just saying🙃! Now I vicariously enjoy travel by train with you and your friends and family through my subscription to your channel. Thank you🤗
Your video is being back memories for me because I was on a cruise this past August 2024 and at all of the place you been so far in Alaska. The glacier you were at I white water rafted down the river. I love the full video you have been doing so far it is a well put together.
I watched all the episodes as they came out and they were great. But getting to watch it all together is absolutely awesome. Thank you for all the great videos that you do. I don't have the ability to go and do any of this. My wife is disabled and our 6 kids take alot of money to support. So I get to live vicariously through your videos. I know it's not your typical video but I would love to see your take on Route 66!!! Again thank you for the great videos!!! BTW I almost cried seeing Wills reaction to the Grand Canyon.
I'm so glad you went to Strasburg! It *is* magical! I wouldn't be watching youtube videos of trains right now if it wasn't for Strasburg. The first time I found it, I knew nothing about it. I was just driving around looking for something else in what I thought was the middle of nowhere. I stop at an intersection and all of a sudden - A Huge-Ass Steam Engine Goes Rolling By!! Just feet away! And I was instantly happy! Like, REALLY happy. I was surprised at my own reaction and had to think "I guess I really like trains!" I think I always did, even as a kid, but I kinda forgot along the way. I love that your friends had a similar experience and being just feet away from that beautiful, hissing, puffing engine is what did it for them too. Your video captures (and communicates) a very unique experience that I've tried to explain to people. The effect that it had. Now I can show them this vid! It also sounds like this was a post-pandemic trip for you guys, and that means a lot to me, too. I discovered Strasburg the end of 2019, spent my crazy-overworked pandemic years longing to go back. Finally did for my birthday in 2023. (This time tried the lounge car with plush green chairs. Was AMAZING!) Thanks for this uplifting series of train-filled videos! First time seeing the channel, I subscribed right away. Thanks!
Awesome job, Downie and friends! I watched all the episodes with a two-hour break and between and thoroughly enjoyed every minute; especially, the segments with your parents. I love to travel by train and have done the Southwest Chief and the California Zephir (with my youngest brother then a teenager) several years ago before cross-country trips via train and before UA-cam became part of our current consciousness. I am looking forward to possibly doing the Canadian cross-country (with layovers in Banff/Lake Louise) in 2026. Best regards, and please continue to film these journeys.
Your warm and friendly attitude while traveling has inspired me to be the same way. I road-tripped from NY to Deadhorse AK last summer and BC, YK, and AK are all amazing places to see. Keep up the good work my friend who I've never met.
Best way to spend 3 hours on a sunday night , thank you Mike. I will rip a page out of your book and maybe go visit my country, Romania, from a train and not by car.
Mike, the quality of your work gets better and better each year. Keep it up. 2025 will bring great things for your channel and you. I’m really proud of you!!! Thanks- Pete
I've just stumbled across your channel yesterday and I gotta say, I enjoy this very much, you're so positive, so enthusiastic and to take your parents along and the way you talk about them, just wonderful! You're a good person! I'm looking forward to exploring your channel and of course I have subscribed. God bless you (and all who read this comment) and safe travels!
Thanks for making these full series videos! I know they help you fill some time while you enjoy the holidays, but still, they are really great!! Well worth the time to watch them all over again, even if it does take me 2-4 days. Haha. Kudos to your parents for coming along! Some of my most favorite adult memories with my parents were on trips like these, usually regional by car, but a couple by train.
This was so much fun! Loved it. I have been to many of the places you visited...and I have taken the train to Fairbanks, Gold Star service. So enjoyable to see your film! Been watching you for a few years. You rock!
I love trains! Have been on many across the country ... NH, AZ, CO, and Cape Cod, MA. Love your channel! I had the same reaction at the south rim of the Grand Canyon as well as the west rim. Tears say alot! Thank you for sharing your travel adventures! 😊
Wow! That cog train! 😱. The first one. I have been on the one in Colorado. 😀It went much slower back then. It was an awesome adventure. 😊. We went all the way to the top.
Just finished watching the whole video It was Amazing taking your friends parents and your friend will,Your knowledge and positively is great look forward to the next one
Your channel popped up on my YT, wow, what a great personality you have, as a 7th generation Floridian and great grand x4 of a listed Florida Pioneer and my grandfather worked for the railroad out of Baker County/Jax in the 1930-40's, I appreciate your love of history, nature and our beautiful America. Well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video! Thank you for sharing. You're Mom and Dad are such sweet people - great to see. Enjoy as much time with them as you can! Thanks again... 😊 PS: You inspired me - so I reached out to an old friend from my college days. Very cool!
Hi I'm Ian from Glasgow scotland.enjoying your train videos .a lot of my family were heavily involved with trains 2 of my uncles were engine drivers on steam engines and one of my uncle went on to drive a diesel engine.i love train journeys.all the best to you for 2025 safe journey.
This was amazing! Like you, I love Train travel! Far better than flying in this present age! I will never be able to travel the Train trips you have taken in this series, but I am so grateful to see the scenes you have recorded to make it feel I have not missed anything. I have traveled the Train from Palm Beach Florida to Montreal, and then from Montreal to Palm Beach because I worked as a live in cook, chauffer, property management, housekeeping houseman for a wealthy couple in the 90's. And traveled for them to assist in their Gated Home in Stewart Florida! The trip from Montreal to Palm Beach was the best ever, because I was able to be booted to 1st Class in Washington DC because of the train delay in Philadelphia, and had my own private room with turn down service and fine dinning room service with delicious meals! I was so excited to have my own room, I could barely sleep, to look out the huge window and watch the scenery fly by late at night! It's a trip I shall never forget! Oh, bye the way I and my brother had the opportunity to travel on the Old Route 66 in 1963 when I was 11 yrs of age! Not by train but our Uncle drove us from Blazedale NY to Whittier, California via car! Route 66 was totally open at that time, and was a trip to remember! Thank you causing me to remember all those memories...... All the best, hope this is not the end of your channel, because you are excellent in presenting these types of experience with your great personality, and humor! Oh, bye the ALL the best in the New Year!
Used to take my kids to the Strasburg! Kitchen Kettle Village is cool and Bird In Hand! You can’t help but chuckle when you go thru the town of Intercourse! 😂 Enjoyed your trip!
I’ve never had a meal like I have on Amtrak. The food was good, maybe not great, but good. But the ambiance is unmatched! There is NOTHING that compares. Staff has always been so kind too!
I watched the original series and was very impressed with your travels Mike. I can’t afford to travel like you did in this series so I’m just enjoying seeing more of America through your travels on here. Thank you for making a big compilation of your travels. Makes it easier to watch. Hello from Washington state.
Watched from Start to end- Your a Great story teller & even a better friend to all that you have blessed!!! You are a selfless person... Great inspiration to all👍👍
The Grand Canyon is unbelievable. You're standing there trying to wrap your head around what you are seeing. It doesn't look real. Pictures just can not capture the experience of being there. It really is incredible.
So cool. I looked up and said to myself this looks like Mount Washington. I have hiked up this mountain many times. On both sides on the mountain. So cool to see the trail and garage. Thanks for sharing. Didn’t expect you sharing this train from FL to Alaska.
Your comment about the sink on the first Amtrak train made me smile. Those sinks were on all three of the submarines that I served on in the US Navy. Keep the vids coming.
Sitting in Erie Pa, checked on my 34’ Marinette in winter storage. Really cold expected on Monday, 8 degrees with well below zero wind chill. I could feel the Georgia warmth coming from my TV. Thanks Gus love your videos you do a fantastic job, thanks again buddy.
This series is what got me started watching Downielive and from there ive been hooked. I have only been on one of those trains and that would be the Grand Canyon Train which was beautiful. This series makes me want to see more of my beautiful country good work Mike.
I have been to St. Louis for a conference and the city is amazing. We stayed across the bridge at the casino though. Took the train across for each day.
By the way, that drain goes right out the bottom of the car. Fun note, that town you went through the middle of near Richmond, VA is called Ashland. It is the only town between Miami and New Jersey that has a rail line running directly through the main road. Also, just south of that is the only remaining operational Diamond crossing on the B&O, it is called Doswell and it is shared by CSX and NS. I was a locomotive Engineer on B&O (CSX) for more than 17 years. Where you met your friend Bobby (Baltimore) is just 1/2 mile from the oldest rail tunnel in America I am fairly sure, at least it always felt that way taking trains up to Bayview.
Mike, you need to let Harvey and Bobby each plan a perplexing themed trip vlog for the guys - each focused on some archane hobby or interest that one of them really likes (or wants to learn more about). And the other 2 guys are dragged along for the shenanigans. Also - you need to visit Steamtown in Scranton and take one of their excursions.
I am so happy to have stumbled across your channel and this series! We have slowly savored each episode over the last week! Our train-obsessed 2.5 year old boy more than approves! Thoroughly entertaining for the whole family! Thank you! We can’t wait to enjoy your other videos as a family!
My grandma and great grandma did this TWICE in the early 2000s. They went from Palatka, Florida to Fairbanks and back, once going "clockwise" and once "counter clockwise" - this was before they closed the line between New Orleans and Atlanta. They documented the whole trip and even made the newspaper, oh if only youtube had been a prominent thing back then!
This is the reason I started watching this channel. Trains in the USA. This series and all of Mike's train videos are simply the best.
Hopefully you've gone back and watched the earlier ones as well. ALWAYS great content from Mike and his team.
@@evecottom9966 I've watched every video Mike has made. The train videos are so relaxing and informative. Trains are a great way to see America.
I AGREE 😅
@@evecottom9966 I watch all of Mike's videos. It's just the train ones are my favorite.
Thanks Mike for squishing all these together into a set of series…perfect evening viewing materials.
Yes thank you
Trust me my friend, bring your mom and dad on any trip they will go with you on. When they’re gone that time will be absolutely priceless. 👍🏻😎👍🏻
I couldn't help but burst into tears during this incredible train adventure, especially being able to share with your dad, because I lost mine recently, but I still have my mom and I plan to do the same with her. thanks for this and future adventures
For a 76 yr old broad who has traveled many place, this video has stirred my travel bug. i'm to old to drive far anymore but this looked like such fun. Seeing you with friends and your parents doing these trips was awesome. Hanna Evans
Glad it inspired you, Hanna!
As a European who has never been to the US (yet), I've had chills at various moments throughout this video. I could only dream of doing a trip like this, but wow...I think it needs to go on my bucketlist! Thank you for sharing this, Mike. And good on you for taking along your dad, your mom and your friends. What an experience!
❤❤❤ I have never been to Europe and Europe is on my bucket list to see. I think seeing as much of the world that a person can see is a special time no matter where you go.
dont come to the US
I have severe ADHD and I must applaud you and your editors for the 2h45m I was able to stop and watch this through without getting distracted or impulsively clicking on a different video or switching between social apps and doomscrolling short videos.
That is the greatest compliment we could receive. Thank you and you’re welcome!
I know it's not right to be envious - but my dad passed when I was 3-1/2 and my son, who I named after my dad - well, we became estranged after he got involved in drugs at the age of 17. He did join the Army - but only made it to 177 days in boot camp in Ft. Benning...they kicked him out, thus 3 days shy of any VA benefits, etc. Now, it's been 12 years later and he's erased all online social media and I have no idea where he is or what he's doing. My wife, his mom, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2001 and I've sworn myself to be her caregiver and protector. Still no word from him and we're only getting older. We're happy and live on a nice hobby farm acreage in NE Iowa and - but - I miss having such a relationship with our son. You are blessed beyond measure! It's so nice seeing your interaction with your dad. I wish I had that with mine - and most certainly wish I had this with my son. Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm thoroughly enjoying watching every minute of your trip!
VA denial sounds very unfair. Trump is very sympathetic to addiction and bet if your dad sent a letter to Mar-a-Lago as others have done his benefits will be reinstated.
@@abovethecloudsmedia1002 my son was kicked out of the Army 3 days before any eligibility for any such benefits. My case in point.
We sorta have the same life. But had my dad until 11. Luckily me abd my bro had my grabdpa who stepped in. He worked on the railroad his whole life. Took us on three vacations across the country. Whole family in a van from chicago to bakersfield
Michael, You may have one of the highest emotional intelligence (EQ) in the world. You really are a special person. It's always a joy to see one of your videos.
This is honestly a very underrated channel. Traveling across the country (mostly) ONLY by rail is a challenge that not many people can attempt. This video is amazing, as it shows the experiences that has happened, the scenic views, and the overall fun that has been shown. I love this!
The positivity and energy you bring to these trips is really what sets your channel apart. There are so many travel channels these days which focus on various forms of "poverty tourism" for views/engagement, so it's just really nice that you have continued to focus on showcasing people's joy and wonderment in a world where there is too little of it in our media. As always, well done!
I can't believe all of those tourists aren't crying seeing the Grand Canyon, too. What an amazing experience. My favorite train so far on our adventures with you. And that wooden station! I have a dream!! One day❤
I rode a jet ski from Seattle to Juneau in 2018 (videos on my channel). Now that I’m older and have bad knees your trip has inspired me to take Amtrak from Washington, DC to Bellingham, WA then the ferry to Whittier and the train to Denali, then fly home.
Wow bro incredible
I love Will especially when he said “ I’m so happy to be here “ the smile was so beautiful…
1:49:30 - The smile and excitement on Will’s face is so genuine looking. He really looks like he’s extremely grateful and that is the BEST result you could hope for when treating your friend to a bucket list item!! 🤠👍🏼☮️
Filing this under “content I can bond with my papa over”. 25 years ago when I was a kid I was obsessed with trains, tractors and trucks. We went to a few museums and he even took me to Cherokee NC to ride the steam engine and it was such a thrill. He’s 87 now and I helped him get his lawn mower started while I was home for Christmas. It made me laugh, doesn’t matter how old you are, when hear an engine you’ve been working on turnover, you can’t help but smile and laugh.
What a superb youtuber Mike is. I've only just found your channel and love it. I find it extremely relaxing and comforting. My Dad only has a few days left of life, and I needed a channel like this. Thanks, Mike and Will, for his infectious smile, which makes me smile at this hard time. 💙
Love the fact you took your friends, than Dad ,than your mother that's amazing ❤
The Grand Canyon so overwhelmed me the first time I went there, I got out of the motorhome and walked to the vista and my legs literally gave out, dropping me to my knees in reverence for Gods creation. I had to bow to the magnificent of nature .
I've been on the Durango & Silverton train in Colorado and the Mt Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire. The cog train went all the way up to the summit for me. It was 75 degrees at the bottom and 50 degrees at the top of Mt Washington!
My son is a huge train enthusiast!!! I am so loving this trip!
That’s great to hear!
That trip on Brightline looked just like the NS trains I rode in the Netherlands this year. Spacious, clean, thoughtful, big bathrooms, a couple dozen trains each day. If that's the future of rail in the US, I'm here for it.
NS trains sound like something from 1940 Germany
The only constant in the universe is change, what matters is how we adapt. Trains late, chill! You have a great attitude! 😊
I love this so much. Slowly realising i have the train autism after all. I feel so safe watching this. So at peace. I love trains so much and i love beautifully filmed and narrated Canadian made content. i knew right away he was from Canada, just everything about Mike is such a Canadian treasure. His mom looks like she could be my aunt. His dad, my best friends dad. Lol all the best bud keep up the channel i love it
Normal IL has the twin sister Bloomington, so we always call the town Bloomington Normal. But they are two separate towns. I have taken the train out of Normal lots of times to Chicago and to St. Louis. The entire video is great and having your mom and dad and friends makes the time even better. Will is always a joy to see. He has the biggest smile.
Wow, what a great series. As I've watched this, I've edited my commends 4 times. I've enjoyed every part of this and want to thank you for sharing. I've done a lot of traveling myself, including an extended stay at the North Pole and love traveling by train. I've slowed recently but want to thank you for reigniting the spark. This really has been one of my favorite UA-cam videos of all time. Nice work, your enthusiasm is contagious.
Thank you for showcasing New Hampshire in good light, everyone always glosses over the great things we offer
You're welcome! New Hampshire is beautiful.
When you and Will reached the South Rim and I saw the vista i began to cry. Then Will began to cry! Even on film it's incredibly powerful, almost overwhelming. Thank you for doing this.
MIKE I LOVE THE WAY THAT YOU SHOW OFF ALL THE SIGHTS WITH YOUR TRAVEL ON TRAINS SHIPS PLANES AND ALL OF YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD THANK YOU MIKE ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR MUM AND DAD 3 HOURS WELL SPENT
Train videos have become a comfort thing for me. Thank you for the great content, I watched the whole thing! Your channel is among one of the very few travel vlog channels that are done well. Your content is always interesting and engaging, thank you!!
Hey Mike, side to side is called rolling, front to back is called pitching. The weather and waves you showed wasn’t nothing compared to what I’ve seen in my 20 years in the US Navy. I’ve had to do extra watches (work) because the other crew members were too seasick to stand watch.fortunately or unfortunately I never got seasick!
I think on the Alaska Marine Highway trip, you really missed an angle of the journey. You only just touched on it when you visited Yakutat.
I grew up in Southeast Alaska, on an Island west of Ketchikan. The ferry was the way we got around, going from community to community. All the school trips, heading to summer camp, just going to the (big) city of Ketchikan. I walked down that tunnel @2:08:07! I honestly couldn't tell you how many hours I've spent on the Mat, the Mal, on Aurora and the COlumbia. I got to steer (poorly) the Taku! The hours spent in the solariums, out on deck, sleeping in the lounges, and even camping out on deck. I met a retired teacher who had autographed hardbound first edition copies of Anne McCaffery's Dragon Riders of Pern! I spent a significant chunk of my childhood on those blue boats, and watching this segments makes me misty eyed.
Those ferries aren't just a form of transport, they are Alaskan citizens. They are friends, they are family, and looking back through my misty, rose tinted glasses, I miss them so.
Thanks for packing each leg of the journey together! Love the laughter with your family members…especially your Mom🥰
Thanks Downie ,for Taking Me and My Broken Body Along on your Journey ,So many places Me and My Wheelchair would not be able to access. Thank You ❤️
Thanks for visiting the Strasburg Railroad….. it’s a tradition to visit if you live in the area….Ride the Polar Express n drink hot chocolate with Santa is popular during Holidays
I think you have done an amazing thing, including your parents on your journey. From someone with both parents passed now, I would give anything to have them back and make more memories. And with the videos, you will always have something to watch years from now when they are gone. Amazing video, and you have put so many smiles and laughs on my face!
Mike, your dad is lovely!! My dad and I had plans to travel by rail but sadly he passed before we could. I’m so happy you had the chance to spend uninterrupted time with your dad and your mom. Thanks for the compilation. I watched the series but am enjoying the uninterrupted series. Thanks, Mike and Happy New Year, may it be full of new adventures. Much love💕
What an awesome video!! I watch a lot of UA-cam cuz i dont have cable tv but this was so cool. I'm 42 never been on a train i live in Montana and you have just made my decision to travel this summer by train and see this amazing state even if i cant travel the US i can still see Montana. Thanks for the rad video!
Brightline has a mix of owned and leased track. The tracks from Miami to Cocoa are FEC owned. From Cocoa to Orlando, it's newly built Brightline owned tracks that will go over 100 mph, as the track has no level road crossings.
Did not know what to expect, but this was a great program. Thanks for having us along. Say Hi to Mom and Dad and all your friends.
I LOVE trains. I rode a passenger train once, when my oldest was a baby. Portland to Seattle, I think. Hey, take your dad on a ferry. They are FUN!!
Been on the Strasburg train so many times. I love it!! Lancaster is my favorite place in the whole world❤❤❤❤
Sorry u stayed at the caboose motel thou..bad place to stay
Stay in bird in hand next time. so much better...amish ppl r the best😊😊😊😊
I used to be a freight locomotive engineer in MI, OH, TX, and ID. It was a fabulous job.
Why did your journey make me cry…this is probably one of the most impactful videos Ive seen this year and since the year just started, I think you’ve helped kick me into travel mode. Gave me that content creator push that I needed. I’m so glad you guys got to take this amazing trip Beautiful!
Mike, I absolutely love this video. I am going to start riding the train more. I retired young, so I have to wait on my friends to retire, so I will have company like you did, therefore I have to stick my foot in the water alone for now! Fantastic video that helped me a lot. Thanks again Mike.
Michael, you’re a great friend and wonderful son. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series!
Just came across this video. I sat and watched the whole thing and felt as if I was right there with you all. The best part was the touch of humanity- you bringing along your favorite humans on this trip. Subscribed! 🚞❤
I just tonight turned off youtube from saving my history and cleared it all out except my subscriptions, i somehow ran across this as well and never got off the couch.
22:38 All the seats are reversible for when the train is going the opposite direction. No one has to sit backwards if they don’t want to.
Yea I cried the first time I seen the grand canyon too. Video and pictures don’t do it justice. It’s simply breathtaking. ❤
You said it perfectly when you said it’s not just about the trains,it’s all the other experiences along the way!
I am not a daily tv viewer BUT I will binge watch youtube series and...short story long, I subscibed a while ago to process my anxiety of public train transport! From early teen years I've learned to process air, bus, and car because it was life required but never a train or floating kind-of-anything. Friends😒planned a train tour from LA to Seattle and after a few days enjoying the city, boarded a train from Seattle to Portland. It was not a bucket list by any stretch-but I penciled it. Age has hindered my processing 'skill' and also anxiety breathing techniques so I was quite anxious but managed to complete the 'hours' ride🫣😬😥. It was rough...just saying🙃! Now I vicariously enjoy travel by train with you and your friends and family through my subscription to your channel. Thank you🤗
Your video is being back memories for me because I was on a cruise this past August 2024 and at all of the place you been so far in Alaska. The glacier you were at I white water rafted down the river. I love the full video you have been doing so far it is a well put together.
I watched all the episodes as they came out and they were great. But getting to watch it all together is absolutely awesome. Thank you for all the great videos that you do. I don't have the ability to go and do any of this. My wife is disabled and our 6 kids take alot of money to support. So I get to live vicariously through your videos. I know it's not your typical video but I would love to see your take on Route 66!!! Again thank you for the great videos!!! BTW I almost cried seeing Wills reaction to the Grand Canyon.
I'm so glad you went to Strasburg! It *is* magical! I wouldn't be watching youtube videos of trains right now if it wasn't for Strasburg.
The first time I found it, I knew nothing about it. I was just driving around looking for something else in what I thought was the middle of nowhere. I stop at an intersection and all of a sudden - A Huge-Ass Steam Engine Goes Rolling By!! Just feet away! And I was instantly happy! Like, REALLY happy. I was surprised at my own reaction and had to think "I guess I really like trains!" I think I always did, even as a kid, but I kinda forgot along the way.
I love that your friends had a similar experience and being just feet away from that beautiful, hissing, puffing engine is what did it for them too. Your video captures (and communicates) a very unique experience that I've tried to explain to people. The effect that it had. Now I can show them this vid!
It also sounds like this was a post-pandemic trip for you guys, and that means a lot to me, too. I discovered Strasburg the end of 2019, spent my crazy-overworked pandemic years longing to go back. Finally did for my birthday in 2023. (This time tried the lounge car with plush green chairs. Was AMAZING!)
Thanks for this uplifting series of train-filled videos! First time seeing the channel, I subscribed right away. Thanks!
Awesome job, Downie and friends! I watched all the episodes with a two-hour break and between and thoroughly enjoyed every minute; especially, the segments with your parents. I love to travel by train and have done the Southwest Chief and the California Zephir (with my youngest brother then a teenager) several years ago before cross-country trips via train and before UA-cam became part of our current consciousness. I am looking forward to possibly doing the Canadian cross-country (with layovers in Banff/Lake Louise) in 2026. Best regards, and please continue to film these journeys.
Your warm and friendly attitude while traveling has inspired me to be the same way. I road-tripped from NY to Deadhorse AK last summer and BC, YK, and AK are all amazing places to see. Keep up the good work my friend who I've never met.
Best way to spend 3 hours on a sunday night , thank you Mike. I will rip a page out of your book and maybe go visit my country, Romania, from a train and not by car.
Just what I needed to start my 2025 right here!
Mike, the quality of your work gets better and better each year. Keep it up. 2025 will bring great things for your channel and you. I’m really proud of you!!! Thanks- Pete
Thank you, Pete! I appreciate it.
This was well-worth the re-watch. Fantastic journey across the U.S., and so much joy along the way.
This Adventure was so epic! EVERYONE was so stoked! Beautiful work- 🤙
One of my favorite series of your channel
Actually my favorite!!! Love that you included your parents. I’m 85 so happy for your parents to be a part of your series!!!
I've just stumbled across your channel yesterday and I gotta say, I enjoy this very much, you're so positive, so enthusiastic and to take your parents along and the way you talk about them, just wonderful! You're a good person!
I'm looking forward to exploring your channel and of course I have subscribed. God bless you (and all who read this comment) and safe travels!
Welcome aboard!
Lots of fun videos for you to watch on this channel 🙂
@@DownieLiveloving your content. 32 minutes in and hooked.
Thanks for making these full series videos! I know they help you fill some time while you enjoy the holidays, but still, they are really great!! Well worth the time to watch them all over again, even if it does take me 2-4 days. Haha. Kudos to your parents for coming along! Some of my most favorite adult memories with my parents were on trips like these, usually regional by car, but a couple by train.
Fabulous video!!! Enjoyed every minute of it!! Thank you for taking us along on this fantastic journey!
Your parents are precious! ❤
This was so much fun! Loved it. I have been to many of the places you visited...and I have taken the train to Fairbanks, Gold Star service. So enjoyable to see your film! Been watching you for a few years. You rock!
Your Dad is a hoot. Heck, I’d travel with him!
I love trains! Have been on many across the country ... NH, AZ, CO, and Cape Cod, MA. Love your channel! I had the same reaction at the south rim of the Grand Canyon as well as the west rim. Tears say alot! Thank you for sharing your travel adventures! 😊
Wow! That cog train! 😱. The first one. I have been on the one in Colorado. 😀It went much slower back then. It was an awesome adventure. 😊. We went all the way to the top.
Just finished watching the whole video It was Amazing taking your friends parents and your friend will,Your knowledge and positively is great look forward to the next one
Your channel popped up on my YT, wow, what a great personality you have, as a 7th generation Floridian and great grand x4 of a listed Florida Pioneer and my grandfather worked for the railroad out of Baker County/Jax in the 1930-40's, I appreciate your love of history, nature and our beautiful America. Well done.
Thanks Mike, I liked watching the series. This makes it convenient to watch the whole trip again.
I lived in Anchorage for 12 years, and Wasilla for 1year worked on the Artic Ocean for 5 months
I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video! Thank you for sharing. You're Mom and Dad are such sweet people - great to see. Enjoy as much time with them as you can! Thanks again... 😊
PS: You inspired me - so I reached out to an old friend from my college days. Very cool!
Virginia was not the fourth state but the fifth (FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA). I'm sure others noticed this too.
Nicely done. I rode the cogwheel train in Germany to their highest peak in 1981. Way cool. Best always from Cincinnati, f.
Hi I'm Ian from Glasgow scotland.enjoying your train videos .a lot of my family were heavily involved with trains 2 of my uncles were engine drivers on steam engines and one of my uncle went on to drive a diesel engine.i love train journeys.all the best to you for 2025 safe journey.
How Amazing to do this ingredible journey with your dad ,Love your channel
1:04:27 filming the horses and speaking about breakfast hahaha😂, i didn't expect the rocky mountaineer's crew to be this happy and welcoming
This was amazing! Like you, I love Train travel! Far better than flying in this present age!
I will never be able to travel the Train trips you have taken in this series, but I am so grateful to see the scenes you have recorded to make it feel I have not missed anything.
I have traveled the Train from Palm Beach Florida to Montreal, and then from Montreal to Palm Beach because I worked as a live in cook, chauffer, property management, housekeeping houseman for a wealthy couple in the 90's. And traveled for them to assist in their Gated Home in Stewart Florida!
The trip from Montreal to Palm Beach was the best ever, because I was able to be booted to 1st Class in Washington DC because of the train delay in Philadelphia, and had my own private room with turn down service and fine dinning room service with delicious meals!
I was so excited to have my own room, I could barely sleep, to look out the huge window and watch the scenery fly by late at night!
It's a trip I shall never forget!
Oh, bye the way I and my brother had the opportunity to travel on the Old Route 66 in 1963 when I was 11 yrs of age! Not by train but our Uncle drove us from Blazedale NY to Whittier, California via car! Route 66 was totally open at that time, and was a trip to remember!
Thank you causing me to remember all those memories......
All the best, hope this is not the end of your channel, because you are excellent in presenting these types of experience with your great personality, and humor!
Oh, bye the ALL the best in the New Year!
Used to take my kids to the Strasburg! Kitchen Kettle Village is cool and Bird In Hand! You can’t help but chuckle when you go thru the town of Intercourse! 😂 Enjoyed your trip!
Jacob’s Ladder: nope, nope, nope, nope, nope. Too afraid of heights. Panic attack just watching it. Love your videos, though! 😊
Not gonna lie, even though I've seen all this before; the entire part where you took your mother on that trip always makes me tear up.
Great job
Glad you enjoyed it again!
I’ve never had a meal like I have on Amtrak. The food was good, maybe not great, but good. But the ambiance is unmatched! There is NOTHING that compares. Staff has always been so kind too!
I watched the original series and was very impressed with your travels Mike. I can’t afford to travel like you did in this series so I’m just enjoying seeing more of America through your travels on here. Thank you for making a big compilation of your travels. Makes it easier to watch. Hello from Washington state.
Awesome! a real roller coaster ride experience. thank you
Love the little thank yous at the end. No sponsorships but helping out freelancer who need it the most. Good stuff.
Watched from Start to end- Your a Great story teller & even a better friend to all that you have blessed!!! You are a selfless person... Great inspiration to all👍👍
The Grand Canyon is unbelievable. You're standing there trying to wrap your head around what you are seeing. It doesn't look real. Pictures just can not capture the experience of being there. It really is incredible.
So cool. I looked up and said to myself this looks like Mount Washington. I have hiked up this mountain many times. On both sides on the mountain. So cool to see the trail and garage. Thanks for sharing. Didn’t expect you sharing this train from FL to Alaska.
The mountain was a great addition to the journey!
@ it is an amazing place.
Your comment about the sink on the first Amtrak train made me smile. Those sinks were on all three of the submarines that I served on in the US Navy. Keep the vids coming.
Sitting in Erie Pa, checked on my 34’ Marinette in winter storage. Really cold expected on Monday, 8 degrees with well below zero wind chill. I could feel the Georgia warmth coming from my TV. Thanks Gus love your videos you do a fantastic job, thanks again buddy.
This series is what got me started watching Downielive and from there ive been hooked. I have only been on one of those trains and that would be the Grand Canyon Train which was beautiful. This series makes me want to see more of my beautiful country good work Mike.
I have been to St. Louis for a conference and the city is amazing. We stayed across the bridge at the casino though. Took the train across for each day.
By the way, that drain goes right out the bottom of the car. Fun note, that town you went through the middle of near Richmond, VA is called Ashland. It is the only town between Miami and New Jersey that has a rail line running directly through the main road. Also, just south of that is the only remaining operational Diamond crossing on the B&O, it is called Doswell and it is shared by CSX and NS. I was a locomotive Engineer on B&O (CSX) for more than 17 years. Where you met your friend Bobby (Baltimore) is just 1/2 mile from the oldest rail tunnel in America I am fairly sure, at least it always felt that way taking trains up to Bayview.
Mike, you need to let Harvey and Bobby each plan a perplexing themed trip vlog for the guys - each focused on some archane hobby or interest that one of them really likes (or wants to learn more about).
And the other 2 guys are dragged along for the shenanigans.
Also - you need to visit Steamtown in Scranton and take one of their excursions.
That is a great idea!
I am so happy to have stumbled across your channel and this series! We have slowly savored each episode over the last week! Our train-obsessed 2.5 year old boy more than approves! Thoroughly entertaining for the whole family! Thank you! We can’t wait to enjoy your other videos as a family!
These are my favourite comments! That you watch together as a family 😊
I always enjoy the adventures with Will...he exudes such joy in life
My grandma and great grandma did this TWICE in the early 2000s. They went from Palatka, Florida to Fairbanks and back, once going "clockwise" and once "counter clockwise" - this was before they closed the line between New Orleans and Atlanta. They documented the whole trip and even made the newspaper, oh if only youtube had been a prominent thing back then!
I've been on that glacier tour from Whittier. The trip was phenomenal